Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Chapter 3

"And they call me the trouble maker."

I watched as he turned to the sound of my voice.  "Kunoichi!"

I was tackled and tried to push him off.  "Calm down, Little Bird."

He grinned and pulled me up.  "Not so little anymore."  He pinched my cheeks.  "Unlike my big, little sister."

I glared at him and shocked him with chakra.  "Quit it, brat."

He laughed.  "Aw, come on, Sis.  I didn't stunt your growth."

I crossed my arms, pouting.  "I'm normal sized."

Itachi chuckled and put a hand on my head.  "Fun sized."

"Itachi? You're here too?"

Sakura rolled her eyes.  "You act like they aren't a package deal."

Hinata appeared seemingly out of nowhere with Neji.  "Yup, you see one... the other isn't far away."

Naruto beamed.  "Hinata!"  He scooped her up in a hug, and her face was on fire.

I gave Itachi a knowing glance, and he kissed my forehead.  "Really? Do you have to do that?"

I narrowed my eyes at Ryo.  "Mind your business."

He shook his head. "The most deadly affectionate couple I know."

Hinata was trying to control her blush as Naruto pried.  I hit him in the back of his.  That's harder than it used to be...  "Leave her be."

He rubbed it, fake tears in his eyes.  "You didn't have to hit me..."  Seems everyone is here except...

I felt Itachi's sadness.  Yeah...

I hugged his waist as he put an arm around me.  "Let's find Ibiki.  Don't be late to dinner, Little Bird."

He wedged himself between us, and I glared at him.  "He has you to himself enough.  You're spending time with me until dinner, then he can have you back."

I giggled as Itachi stared at him.  "Be nice... find Ibiki and invite him, okay?"

He nodded and disappeared.  "Thought he'd never leave."  He turned and looked at the Rain nin.  "And who are you supposed to be?"

I twisted his side.  "Mind your tongue, brat. You may speak to Itachi that way, but not everyone will take it as lightly."

He looked at them closely and then smiled.  "You were here at the party!"

I facepalmed.  "Pein, Konan, this disrespectful child is Naruto."

They looked at me, smirking.  "Seems it runs in the family."

He beamed.  "That's right! I learned from the best!"

I rolled my eyes.  "Keep this up, and I'm leaving."

He waved his hands frantically.  "Wait, wait, wait... okay, let's find dad so you guys can see my new jutsu!"

I sighed and threw an apologetic smile over my shoulder as I was dragged away.  "How have you been, Naruto?"

He shrugged.  "Other than the fact I was trained by Pervy Sage, good."

I punched his side.  "He is an excellent sensei who took the time to train you, Naruto.  Don't forget that."

He sighed.  "Yeah, but with all his 'research' for his book, he took perviness to an all new level."

I giggled.  "I can see that."